CHANDIGARH: Expressing serious concern over the visible surge in the number of beggars across the city, former Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Councilor Shakti Prakash Devshali has written a formal letter to UT Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad, urging him to ensure the city is made truly “beggar-free.”
In his communication, Devshali highlighted the stark contradiction between Chandigarh’s official declaration as a beggar-free city and the actual ground reality playing out on its streets every day.
The Ground Reality at Intersections
Devshali pointed out that a brief halt at almost any traffic-light point in the city reveals the severity of the issue, with multiple individuals immediately rushing toward vehicles. He detailed several prevalent methods used across the city:
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Women carrying small infants, seeking money under the pretext of requiring urgent medical treatment.
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Individuals seeking alms by exploiting the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the visually impaired.
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Women and children pretending to sell small items, such as pens and toys, as a cover for begging.
Furthermore, he noted that beggars are now frequently seen swarming religious places, commercial establishments, malls, and prominent markets, severely affecting the public experience.
Safety Risks and Suspected Organized Networks
The former councilor warned that individuals running behind moving vehicles create highly dangerous situations, significantly raising the risk of fatal road accidents and potential damage to property.
Devshali stated that the unprecedented and unlimited increase in people begging over the past few months heavily suggests the operation of an organized begging network or syndicate within Chandigarh. He expressed disappointment that local police and administrative officials appear to be turning a blind eye to this rapidly growing crisis.
A Call to Implement the ‘SMILE’ Scheme
To resolve the issue humanely and effectively, Devshali urged the administration to utilize the SMILE scheme (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise), a Central Government initiative being heavily promoted under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The initiative includes a dedicated sub-scheme for the comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging. Its core focus areas include:
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Structured rehabilitation and accessible healthcare.
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Psychological counseling and basic education.
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Skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Under the national “Begging-Free India” vision, the government’s primary objective is to rid major metropolitan, religious, and historical cities of begging. Devshali concluded his letter by requesting the Chief Secretary to ensure the complete rehabilitation of all beggars in Chandigarh under this established national framework, thereby making the city genuinely beggar-free.
